Shows are expensive: Who gets left out?

Me as "Bruce" in Matilda the Musical!

Three hundred dollars to be in the musical?

I’ve been in a multitude of plays and musicals throughout my time in high school, and one thing always stays constant: they are expensive. Fees for students can range from $100 to $300 per show, increasing with smaller casts or underfunded schools. Many small fees and expenses are also associated with school plays, which can add up to a significant amount for some students. This economic barrier can prevent lower-income students from participating in as many shows. So why are these high school shows so expensive to put on in the first place?

Before a school can even cast a show, they need to pay royalties and licensing fees for the chosen play or musical. Then, even more funds are required to pay for the various costumes, props, and set materials. Depending on the director’s vision for the show, this cost can vary greatly. The less obvious expenses are things like lighting and sound equipment, as well as programs and posters for advertising.

The money to run a show often comes from school funds(PTA support, donations, volunteering) and student contributions. This results in students having to bear a large portion of the cost to put on a show. This major economic barrier inhibits low-income students from participating in their high school theatre programs. Even if there was no official fee to join a school play, students face expectations such as having transportation, contributing to set buildings and strikes, as well as meals during long rehearsals. These expenses can add up, making it harder for students without financial assistance to stay involved in the production. Furthermore, theatre is an incredibly time-intensive ordeal. I personally have participated in multiple back-to-back 9 AM to 9 PM rehearsals, as well as rehearsals until 11:30 PM during tech week. These long rehearsals can be especially challenging for those who work part-time to support their families, have caregiving responsibilities at home, and don’t have transportation to and from rehearsals. In this sense, time is also an economic factor. The more flexibility a student has, the more likely they are to stay involved and book the lead roles.

In my time acting in shows, I have learned so many valuable lessons about communication and dedication. It’s not fair to those from low-income households to not have the opportunity to live the same experiences I have. School theatre programs should fight for more funding from their districts in order to alleviate the financial burden imposed on students. They should be able to pursue their passions throughout high school without being limited by financial constraints.